House Bill 595 would set aside funding for districts based on performance criteria. House Bill 447 outlines the School Choice Tax Credit and Subsidy Program.
BOISE, ID — As with past legislative sessions, lawmakers are placing a big focus on Idaho schools. However, two education funding bills were defeated at Tuesday's committee hearing.
House Bill 595, which passed the House last week, would set aside $40 million for school districts with high math achievement and job readiness, similar to how the state allocates funding for literacy.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield called the school board's decision to put the bill on hold “unfortunate.”
“It was disappointing that the majority of the school board did not support legislation that would advance student outcomes. Like policymakers in Texas, Arizona, Tennessee, and other conservative states, we He promoted this bill as a direct response to those who say we need to rethink how we fund schools. It was budget neutral, meaning there was no new spending. Therefore, public school districts without explanation “The vote against the charter was inexplicable,” the statement sent to KTVB said.
Everyone who testified at Tuesday's committee hearing supported the bill, including several school officials. One community member liked the bill because it “rewards good deeds.”
The House Revenue and Taxation Committee voted 10-7 on Tuesday to call HB447 into committee, effectively rejecting the bill. Eligible families will receive up to $5,000 back in state taxes per child. The bill also outlines a subsidy program to help pay for private school tuition for low-income families.
The bill had a cap of $50 million.
“If you want to send your kids somewhere, you should have the right to do so,” parent Robbie Hart said. “I will never give up on what is necessary and beneficial for children to get the education they need.”
With several weeks left in Congress, lawmakers could amend the school funding bill and introduce a new version.
The Senate State Affairs Committee is scheduled to consider another version of the bill Wednesday that would allow school employees and volunteers with enhanced carry licenses to carry guns at school.
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